Student Spotlight: Josef Green — Flexibility, Leadership, and Big Goals at WVVA 

Josef is a 10th grader at West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA), a public online school, and if you talk with him for even a few minutes, you’ll see his drive and passion for education. He’s using his time at WVVA strategically to build a future that mixes academics, leadership, creativity, and real-world career plans. 

The WVVA Difference 

Josef’s path to WVVA started in 8^th grade when he switched from public school to a local online school. He liked the online environment but needed something different. After learning about WVVA from a trusted connection, Josef and his family made the move.  

Josef arrived at WVVA focused and future minded. Early on, he connected with staff, who helped guide him through his education and long-term planning. 

Currently, Josef’s schedule reflects his ambitions. He’s balancing his WVVA coursework with dual enrollment classes at Pierpont Community and Technical College, gaining college credit while still in high school. Josef appreciates the academic push at WVVA and notices the difference in teacher quality and engagement.  

“The classes are a whole lot more rigorous,” he said. “I’ve seen an increase in quality teachers because they love what they do and where they get to be.” 

Josef also values relationships and support, naming several WVVA educators and staff who have helped him thrive.  

“I do like a lot of the teachers,” he said, “Everyone from Mr. Green and administrative support. Mrs. Young’s been really good too, and I think I’d be remiss not to mention Mrs. Workman. I mean, she’s been awesome.” 

And his teachers have recognized Josef for his ambition and leadership at WVVA.  

“Josef continues to set a high standard for academic responsibility and effort and naturally leads his peers with responsibility, kindness, and initiative,” Mrs. Workman noted. “He brings forward creative and effective ideas that improve student involvement and school culture.” 

For Josef, the best part of WVVA is clear.  

“Being able to have the flexibility of not being contained to one school is great,” he said, “As long as I have my computer and I’m there, I’m fine.” 

He has even taken learning on the move! 

“We took a cruise during school,” Josef said, “How many kids do you know that can do that?” 

Leadership and Using Your Voice 

Josef is involved in Future Business Leaders of America and Student Council, where he serves as Student Body President! Once he joined, things felt different.  

“When I got into student council, we were already making stuff happen,” Josef said, “I thought that was great. To be able to make a change and have a voice for the student body.” 

When Josef commits to something, he goes all in. 

When a teacher mentioned the need for a Veterans Day video, Josef recognized the growing demands of the school year and stepped up. 

“At first, it was going to be really short.” Josef explained. “So, I said let me take this off your plate. I’ll do everything, the media, the video, the pictures, everything. Just let me do it.” 

He built a full production setup to bring the project to life. 

 “I actually had a full YouTube setup in my office space,” he said, “Two lights, the camera, a teleprompter – the full setup.”  

And Josef poured himself into the work – conducting in-depth interviews with veterans, including his grandfather, who served two years in Vietnam. 

“I spent about 30 hours on it,” he said, “Recording the interviews, editing the video and then putting in all the graphics and templates.” 

For Josef, it wasn’t just the creative challenge but the meaning behind it. 

“My vision for the whole project was to be able to bring the seriousness of Veterans Day,” he explained, “To really show kids that freedom is not free and how much sacrifice that we have.”  

Looking Ahead: Business, College, and Career 

Josef understands that plans can change but having direction matters. He’s aiming to graduate high school with enough credits for an associate’s degree and explains his strategy behind it.  

“I won’t actually go for my associate’s degree but just have taken that many college courses because being in high school and taking college courses is so much cheaper than college after high school,” Josef emphasized.  

Josef also has a clear plan for work; his parents group insurance agency in his county.  

“When I turn 18, I’d like to start selling insurance, he said, “My mom and dad own a group insurance agency around the county, so I’d like to start selling for them.”  

Josef’s motivated by genuine interest, not pressure.  

“I love doing the type of stuff that my dad does, so that is my drive for getting into insurance,” he explained. 

His dad also serves as a delegate in his county, something Josef has also taken a genuine interest in. Josef enjoys shadowing his dad and speaking with other state delegates and senators at the capitol.  

“What kid gets to go to dinner with the delegate or senator from a whole different county and things like that?” Josef said, “Just being able to be so flexible is awesome.” 

Long-term, he’s aiming for graduate school and talked about possibly pursuing a Master of Business Administration. For now, Josef wants to direct his focus on marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance.  

Josef’s Advice for Students 

If Josef could offer one piece of advice to students starting online learning, it would be simple and practical. 

“The biggest thing I would say is communication,” he said. “You have to have communication.” 

For him, that starts with one essential tool. 

“Email will be your best friend through high school. It needs to be. It has to be,” he emphasized. “It keeps an open line of communication between you and the teacher.” 

Josef’s story highlights what’s possible with the right environment. For Josef, WVVA isn’t just where he attends school, but the platform helping him build a future with purpose. 

If you’re looking for a school with flexibility, higher expectations, or are ready to take ownership of your goals, Josef’s experience shows that West Virginia Virtual Academy may be the perfect place for you to start.  

Learn more about WVVA   

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